Mind Australia and Austin Health are pleased to announce the opening of the new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service in Heidelberg.
Heidelberg YPARC was officially opened by Victoria’s Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt on Monday 16 February 2026. The 10-bed service provides short-term residential care for young people aged 16-25 from the City of Banyule who are experiencing psychological distress.
YPARC services like this were a priority recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and are an alternative to hospital admission. They provide early intervention and a range of recovery focused supports.
“Centres like this are safe, comforting environments where young people can get the mental health care they need. By doubling Youth Prevention and Recovery Care capacity across Victoria, we’re giving more young people support so they can recover and thrive,” Minister Stitt said.
At Heidelberg YPARC, there are dining and living areas, breakout spaces, outdoor garden areas and a communal kitchen that provide space for leisure and recreational activities, recovery focused group activities and tailored one-to-one support.
Specialist mental health staff are available 24 hours a day to support young people to stabilise their mental health and build the skills to live safely and securely in the community.
Mind CEO Gill Callister said Heidelberg YPARC will be an important new support service for young people and their families in the City of Banyule.
“YPARC services like this play a vital role in our mental health system by offering the right support at the right time, ensuring that people have the support they need to navigate moments of crisis and build lasting pathways to wellbeing,” Ms Callister said.
“The YPARC model is proven to reduce pressure on hospitals by providing mental health care in the community to young people who require short term intensive recovery support – delivered in both group settings and one-on-one, based on each individual’s strengths, goals and preferences.